Marine Rescue Alpine Lakes volunteers have helped safely rescued two boaters after their vessel became grounded on Lake Eucumbene during a multi-agency response overnight.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said NSW Police Marine Area Command requested assistance from Marine Rescue Alpine Lakes shortly after 9pm (Friday 11 September) after the vessel became grounded at Cobrabald Bay in the southern mid-region of the lake.
A volunteer crew was assembled and deployed on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel Alpine Lakes 20 from the Buckenderra base, while radio operators at the Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre coordinated communications for the response.
A NSW SES crew also responded in a flood boat, allowing responders to access the shallow waters around the grounded vessel.
Marine Rescue volunteers used FLIR (forward-looking infrared) technology and radar to help locate the boaters in the darkness, with the temperature on the water around 7 degrees.
The SES crew used their flood boat to reach the two men while Alpine Lakes 20 remained in deeper water.
"The two men were cold but uninjured," Inspector Sullivan said.
"A tow line from Alpine Lakes 20 was taken by the SES crew to the stranded vessel and attached.
"The stranded vessel was then refloated with Alpine Lakes 20 commencing a tow to safety.
"The men and their vessel were taken to Old Adaminaby before Alpine Lakes 20 returned to base, logging off shortly after 1am."
Inspector Sullivan said the successful response demonstrated the importance of coordination between emergency services, particularly when operating on a remote waterway at night.
"Everyone involved did a great job, from our volunteer crew and NSW SES through to the radio operators at the State Communications Centre," he said.
"Our crews train for these types of incidents and it was pleasing to see that training, equipment and teamwork came together to safely assist the two men."
Inspector Sullivan urged anyone boating on the Alpine Lakes to take extra precautions as temperatures remain low and conditions can change quickly.
"Extra warm clothing is essential at this time of year, along with always wearing a lifejacket and carrying a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) in case you need assistance," he said.
"Boaters should also make sure their navigation lights are working and carry a spotlight or torch to assist with navigation.
"Alpine waterways can have hazards just below the surface, including rocks, mud and submerged trees, so boaters need to take care and be familiar with the conditions before heading out."
